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There might be legions of “classic rock” artists clogging the summer concert trail, but only a handful of them still possess a level of artistry comparable to their heyday.

Count Heart among that select collection.

On Wednesday night, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson – both still looking fabulous at 60 and 56, respectively – bounded through an hour and 20 minute set of ‘70s and ‘80s hits sprinkled with some offerings from “Red Velvet Car,” their 13th studio album coming Aug. 31.

While the mostly middle aged Innsbrook After Hours crowd of about 4,500 roared at the first sounds of “Straight On,” visually enhanced by Nancy’s handful of scissor kicks, the low-key trio of tunes that followed firmly spotlighted the band’s musicianship.

“These Dreams” floated under Nancy’s girlish sounding voice (she’s always been the delicate foil to her sister’s iron-lunged power, but last night sounded particularly wispy), while the acoustic “Dog & Butterfly” was lovely and nostalgic.

Nancy retained lead vocal duties for the new “Hey You,” a sweet, simple ballad (“You are one of a kind/you are some kind of fine”) that fits comfortably in Heart’s oeuvre.

But when a familiar guitar strain echoed from the stage – could it be… “Gimme Shelter”? – the sense that now Heart was ready to rock kicked in.

By weaving the Rolling Stones classic throughout its own “Even It Up,” the band not only appealed to the die-hard classic rock fans that constituted most of the crowd, but allowed Ann her first moment to unleash that mighty voice.

But the spotlight on Ann’s vocal muscle came with her spin on “Alone.” Though the song was re-arranged into a subtler version minus the big drums and fist-pumping moments, Ann managed to find plenty of runs that showcased one of rock’s truest voices.

Though the set contained its share of air guitar moments (seriously, can anyone listen to the opening of “Magic Man” without pretending to strum along?), it felt too brief.

While no Heart fan will ever quibble with the inclusion of a Led Zeppelin cover – because, really, Ann Wilson and Train’s Pat Monahan are two of the only singers who have adequately emulated Robert Plant’s wail – it would have been cool to hear a few more ‘80s radio hits such as “Never,” “Who Will You Run To,” “What About Love” as well.

Actually, a live rendition of “There’s the Girl” would have made one person in the crowd very happy – but there’s no breath-holding for that one.

If you missed Heart’s Innsbrook gig, the band performs Friday at nTelos Pavilion in Portsmouth. Visit http://www.pavilionconcerts.com for ticket info.

 

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